title: Posterior fusion for Scheuermann's kyphosis.
abstract: Ten patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis were surgically treated with posterior spine fusion and Harrington heavy compression-rod instrumentation. This procedure relieved pain and deformity in all ten patients. The average follow-up period was 26.6 months. The average curve before surgery was 71.4 degrees and at follow-up examination was 39.3 degrees. The postoperative correction of kyphosis averaged 32 degrees (45%), with an average loss of correction of 7.8 degrees. Posterior fusion with Harrington heavy compression-rod instrumentation may prove to be the procedure of choice in Scheuermann's kyphosis that is severe but flexible on hyperextension with a curve greater than 65 degrees.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University Medical Center, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: N Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Otsuka
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Mah
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*